By Saikujohn Barrie
The coming of Donald Trump to the Whitehouse and his subsequent action to purge America of what he described as illegal migrants has gingered many feelings, which has instigated this writer to once again reflect as to the reasons why many citizens in Africa and other countries outside africa leave their countries but I will throw the light on africa.
In recent years, a significant number of Africans have been compelled to leave their homelands in search of better opportunities abroad.
This trend has raised concerns and calls for introspection among among African leaders, especially in light of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s mission is to expel illegal migrants from the US territory.
Some people Africans living in africa are blaming their own people for travelling to the US without proper documents to stay there, but I think understanding the problems that force Africans to seek greener pastures is crucial in finding effective solutions.
I think some of the key causes for citizens leaving their countries in search of a better life include:
High Unemployment Rates; high unemployment rates, especially among the youth, are a major driver of migration. With limited job opportunities, many young Africans seek employment abroad, hoping for better prospects that would lead to better lives for themselves, their families, and loved ones back home.
Political Instability and Conflict;Political instability, civil unrest, and conflicts in various African countries force people to flee their homes in search of safety and stability. The lack of secure and peaceful environments hampers economic growth and development.Take for example of what is unfolding in Congo and Sudan as I write this piece.
In addition, Poor Quality of Education; Access to quality education remains a challenge in many African countries. Insufficient educational infrastructure, inadequate funding, and lack of skilled teachers contribute to substandard education, limiting future opportunities for the youth.
Furthermore, Economic Inequality; widening economic disparities, and lack of inclusive growth lead to poverty and social exclusion.
The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few leaves many struggling to make ends meet. In many countries.
For example,in many african countries, employment and job opportunities are being politicised as only those with high political connections have chances to secure jobs regardless of the person’s qualifications.
Corruption and Poor Governance; Rampant corruption and poor governance erode public trust and hinder development efforts.
Mismanagement of state resources and lack of transparency in government operations exacerbate the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. In most of cases,government functionaries and their political affiliates would quander monies meant for developing the country with impunity or without severe punishment against them.
In line with the challenges above,I think the following would enable african leaders to ameliorate the situation.
Firstly,job creation and economic diversification; I think African leaders must prioritize job creation through economic diversification. Investing in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can create employment opportunities and reduce dependency on a single industry.
Additionally, Promoting Political Stability and Good Governance;Establishing and maintaining political stability is essential for sustainable development.
African leaders should promote democratic practices, uphold the rule of law, and ensure transparent and accountable governance. I think power should not be usurped and weaponised against political oppornents.
Investing in Education and Skills Development; Enhancing the quality of education and investing in skills development programs will equip the youth with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a competitive job market.
This includes modernizing educational infrastructure and providing continuous training for teachers.
Also addressing Economic Inequality; Implementing policies that promote inclusive growth and reduce economic disparities is crucial.
This can be achieved through social safety nets, equitable distribution of resources, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country to benefit all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations or creeds.
Furthermore, combating Corruption; African leaders must take a firm stance against corruption by strengthening anti-corruption institutions and implementing stringent measures to ensure accountability.
In addition,the loyalty of the anti-corruption heads must to the state not any politician or those who appointed them that is why there should be a guarantee of tenure office such should not be abused by politicians.
Promoting transparency in government operations and public service delivery will help restore public trust.
Finally, I think the challenges driving Africans to seek greener pastures abroad are multifaceted, but with a concerted effort, they can be addressed.
By focusing on job creation, political stability, quality education, economic equality, and anti-corruption measures, African leaders can create an environment where citizens can thrive and find opportunities within their own countries.
I just believe the future of Africa lies heavily in the hands of its leaders, and it is their responsibility to pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous continent since they are the ones deciding on the sharing of state resources.
I rest my case.
